Scotland player ratings vs Fiji: Nations Championship

Saturday, 18 July 2026 at 16:07

byTom Sansom

Scotland player ratings vs Fiji as Gregor Townsend's side overcome the absence of Finn Russell with stunning second-half comeback.

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Scotland ended their Nations Championship Southern Series on a high with a 33-17 comeback victory over Fiji at Murrayfield.

Jonny Gray gave the hosts the perfect start after 15 minutes, with George Horne converting for a 7-0 lead. Fiji hit back immediately through captain Tevita Ikanivere before Selestino Ravautamada's brilliant solo try put the visitors ahead. Elia Canakaivata then powered over, and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula's conversion gave Fiji a deserved 17-7 advantage.

Gregor Townsend's side were a different team after the break. Pierre Schoeman crashed over from close range to ignite the comeback before Scotland's replacements turned the game around.

Scott Cummings crossed to edge Scotland in front, while Jamie Dobie grabbed two late tries to seal a convincing 33-17 victory.

The win ensured Scotland finished their summer campaign on a high after defeat to South Africa last weekend, while Fiji ended the Nations Championship Southern Series without recording a victory.

Scroll down for Scotland player ratings vs Fiji.

SCOTLAND PLAYER RATINGS VS FIJI:

By Tom Sansom at Murrayfield Stadium

15. TOM JORDAN – 7.5

The New Zealand-born utility back again showcased his versatility away from No.10. Jordan carried strongly throughout, repeatedly breaking the gain-line and producing several neat touches in attack. He'll be frustrated by a 31st-minute knock-on with the try-line beckoning, but responded with a huge collision after the break that summed up his afternoon. One of Scotland's standout performers.

14. DARCY GRAHAM (OFF 55') – 5.5

Making his first Nations Championship appearance alongside Duhan van der Merwe, Graham received little service. Ollie Smith and Tom Jordan both missed chances to release him for what looked like certain first-half tries. He also endured an untidy afternoon under the high ball and never truly got into the game.

13. OLLIE SMITH – 6.5

Smith wore the commemorative jersey honouring Scott Hastings and recovered well after taking an early heavy hit. He produced an excellent break to create Scotland's opener but missed a golden chance before half-time by holding onto the ball too long. Improved as the game wore on and stood up well to Fiji's physical midfield.

12. STAFFORD McDOWALL – 7.5

Leading Scotland in the absence of Sione Tuipulotu, McDowall found the Fijian defence difficult to break down early on. However, he grew into the contest and inspired Scotland's second-half revival with a commanding all-round display that deservedly earned him Player of the Match.

11. DUHAN VAN DER MERWE – 7.5

Back for his first Nations Championship appearance, Van der Merwe immediately brought physicality, producing several huge collisions. He tracked back brilliantly to deny Selestino Ravautamada, was desperately unlucky not to score himself, then set up Jamie Dobie's late try after a superb break. A strong return.

10. FERGUS BURKE – 7

Burke again deputised for Finn Russell and produced another composed display. His distribution was sharp and he kicked accurately from the tee, although Fiji found success targeting his defensive channel. He handled the pressure well and steered Scotland through the closing stages.

9. GEORGE HORNE (OFF 47', ON 62', OFF 70') – 6.5

Horne kept Scotland playing at tempo and was instrumental in the build-up to the opening try. He kicked well early on before absorbing the high shot that sent Tagitagivalu to the sin-bin. A HIA disrupted his afternoon and eventually forced him from the field.

Forwards

1. RORY SUTHERLAND (OFF 47') – 5.5

Scotland enjoyed early success at scrum time, but Fiji's rolling maul caused major problems, leading to Tevita Ikanivere's try. Replaced early in the second half as Townsend emptied the bench.

2. GREGOR HIDDLESTON (OFF 66') – 6

On his first Test start, Hiddleston impressed early with Scotland's lineout and scrum functioning smoothly. Fiji fought their way back into the set-piece battle, making it a mixed afternoon before he made way for debutant Seb Stephen.

3. D'ARCY RAE (OFF 47') – 5.5

Rae initially got the better of Ironi Mawi at scrum time but struggled once Fiji settled. Scotland's problems defending the rolling maul also counted against him.

4. JONNY GRAY (OFF 49') – 7.5

Gray marked his 83rd cap with another tireless display. He powered over for Scotland's opening try, dominated the lineout and was comfortably the hosts' best forward before departing for a HIA.

5. MAX WILLIAMSON (OFF 47') – 5.5

Williamson started well in the lineout but found life tougher as Fiji took control before half-time. It proved a frustrating afternoon before his early withdrawal.

6. JOSH BAYLISS – 6

The vice-captain worked hard throughout but was beaten by Selestino Ravautamada's pace for one Fiji score. Thought he had crossed for a try himself before a TMO review ruled otherwise.

7. FREDDY DOUGLAS – 6.5

The Edinburgh flanker marked his first Scotland start with a hardworking display. Faced a huge physical challenge but never stopped tackling and competing at the breakdown.

8. GREGOR BROWN (OFF 57') – 7

The only survivor from the South Africa starting XV adapted well after moving from lock to No.8. Brown's work rate and breakdown presence stood out throughout another impressive display.

Replacements

16. SEB STEPHEN (ON 66') – 6.5

A composed Test debut from the Glasgow Warriors hooker, who helped steady Scotland's set-piece during the closing stages.

17. PIERRE SCHOEMAN (ON 47') – 7

Schoeman immediately lifted both the crowd and the team, crashing over for a trademark close-range try after making an instant impact.

18. ZANDER FAGERSON (ON 47') – 7

Added power to Scotland's scrum and was equally effective around the field with strong carries and clever handling.

19. SCOTT CUMMINGS (ON 47') – 8

Cummings brought composure after Jonny Gray's departure and capped an excellent cameo with the late try that sealed Scotland's comeback.

20. MAGNUS BRADBURY (ON 47') – 6.5

Another replacement who helped swing momentum, carrying effectively and providing reliable support in the loose.

21. LIAM McCONNELL (ON 57') – 6.5

Added fresh energy as Scotland took control in the final quarter and played his part in seeing out the win.

22. JAMIE DOBIE (ON 47', OFF 62', ON 70') – 8

Dobie changed the game after replacing Horne, injecting real pace around the breakdown. He sniped over to put Scotland ahead before adding a second with an excellent support line off Van der Merwe.

23. SIONE TUIPULOTU (ON 55') – 7

Scotland immediately looked more dangerous with their captain on the field. Tuipulotu carried aggressively and brought composure and intensity during the decisive stages of the comeback.